Nathan Lane’s Farewell to ‘The Late Show’ is a Moment to Remember
As Stephen Colbert prepares to bid farewell to CBS’ The Late Show, the outpouring of tributes from guests continues to be both heartwarming and hilarious. The latest to grace the stage and offer a memorable send-off was none other than three-time Tony Award winner, Nathan Lane.
“This is my final appearance on The Late Show—unless George Clooney falls out and I get a last-minute call,” Lane joked, setting a lighthearted tone for his appearance. He continued, expressing his gratitude: “So I wanted to do something special—for your audience, and also to thank you for being such a kind and gracious host.”
A Thematic Performance of “Laughing Matters”
Accompanied by the incredibly talented Grammy and Tony winner, Marc Shaiman, on piano, Lane delivered a poignant performance of “Laughing Matters” from the 1996 Off-Broadway revue, When Pigs Fly. The song’s message resonated deeply, particularly given the current climate.
In a clever nod to the times, Lane subtly altered the opening line of the song, replacing “Live at Five” with “MS NOW.” He sang, “MS NOW and CNN keep us all abreast… of breaking stories that can tend… to make us anxious and depressed.” This adaptation highlighted the song’s core message: the importance of maintaining a sense of humor even amidst a constant stream of worrisome news.
The performance culminated in a powerful reminder: “‘Cause don’t you know it’s time like these… that laughing matters most of all.”
A Wave of Tributes for Stephen Colbert
Lane joins a growing list of guests who have honored Colbert in recent weeks. John Lithgow previously shared a moving poem, “The Mighty Colbert,” both celebrating and mourning the end of Colbert’s run, which concludes on May 21st. Edward Norton, at Colbert’s request, read an excerpt from Walt Whitman’s “Crossing Brooklyn Ferry,” a shared favorite of both men. And in a particularly amusing gesture, John Mulaney presented Colbert with a $750 check.
These heartfelt tributes underscore the impact Stephen Colbert has had on late-night television and the genuine affection he’s earned from his peers and audience alike. The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will undoubtedly be missed.
Watch Nathan Lane’s full performance here: [Link to performance video – *replace with actual link*]
